The light rail project can move forward with the engineering and design phase, with a groundbreaking expected in 2027.
Austin’s long-awaited Project Connect moved forward with the approval of a $193 million budget, reports Haley McLeod in Community Impact.
Austin Transit Partnership, the entity tasked with building the 9.8-mile light rail project, can now move forward with design work needed before a planned groundbreaking in 2027.
The project also includes two MetroRapid bus routes and new park and ride facilities that will begin operating in 2025. “Also starting in 2025, the light rail project is expected to enter the project development phase. Over the past year, the agency has initiated the environmental impact review process, increasing the potential for additional federal funding once construction begins.”
The project will focus on engineering and design, stakeholder coordination and outreach, permitting, utility relocation, and regulatory compliance in the next fiscal year. McLeod adds, “Beginning in the next fiscal year, the agency will need to allocate funding towards pre-construction costs. Subsequently, the next several years' budgets are expected to increase sharply.”
FULL STORY: Project Connect: Austin's 9.8-mile light rail system advances with $193M budget approval
Austin’s Project Connect Faces More Hurdles
Two proposed bills in the Texas state legislature call for more voter oversight of the mass transit project, which could imperil the transit expansion approved by voters in 2020.
How Project Connect Would Change ‘The Drag’
A popular — and sometimes deadly — Austin road will exchange car lanes for light rail.
Austin’s Project Connect Funding Safe for 2025
The light rail project is moving ahead with plans to finalize its environmental impact review by late 2025.
Trump Administration Could Effectively End Housing Voucher Program
Federal officials are eyeing major cuts to the Section 8 program that helps millions of low-income households pay rent.
Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.
Canada vs. Kamala: Whose Liberal Housing Platform Comes Out on Top?
As Canada votes for a new Prime Minister, what can America learn from the leading liberal candidate of its neighbor to the north?
Washington State’s Parking Reform Law Could Unlock ‘Countless’ Acres for New Housing
A law that limits how much parking cities can require for residential amd commercial developments could lead to a construction boom.
Wildlife Rebounds After the Eaton Fire
Following the devastation of the Eaton Fire, the return of wildlife and the regrowth of native plants are offering powerful signs of resilience and renewal.
LA to Replace Inglewood Light Rail Project With Bus Shuttles
LA Metro says the change is in response to community engagement and that the new design will be ready before the 2028 Olympic Games.
Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools
This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.
Planning for Universal Design
Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.
Central Transportation Planning Staff/Boston Region MPO
Heyer Gruel & Associates PA
Institute for Housing and Urban Development Studies (IHS)
City of Grandview
Harvard GSD Executive Education
Regional Transportation Commission of Southern Nevada
Toledo-Lucas County Plan Commissions